November 23, 1942 - June 12, 2022
In loving memory ~
Tom passed away peacefully in Salmon Arm June 12 after a very short illness just a few months short of his 80th birthday. He was predeceased by his first wife Margit, son Wayne Bernicot, son in law Mel Lysne and grandson Jonathan Bruce. Survived by his life partner Judi Bruce, Tom's children Cheryl Lysne and sons Jacob and Thomas, Simone Bernicot and sons Kyle (Kathy, Anduin and Ayla) and Aaron, Michael Bernicot (Jaqi, Alysha, Kayla, Emma and Avery), Judi's children Cindy Bruce and her daughter Sam (Peter) and son Brad (Toni), sons David Bruce (Tammy, Nicholas, Christina and Ryley) and Michael Bruce (Barb, Shelby, Brandi and Conor).
A very special person in Tom's life that will be missing him is Ben Poulsen, Tom's brother in law who was only 3 years old when Tom married Margit, Ben's big sister. Ben and Cathy were a very special part of Tom's life.
Tom was a wanderer at heart. He loved to get on the road in his motorhome, fifthwheel, trailer or motorcycle. You never knew where he might be calling from! When his children were young they went on extended trips in their motorhome, skiing in Aspen, and New Year's Eve in New York. And as he grew older there were trips to China, months in Europe and road trips all over the continent. Driving and singing along with the oldies!
Nothing made Tom happier than having family and friends at the house in Blind Bay. Lots of BBQs from Ben the Chef and many an evening sitting on the deck after a great day on the lake. Blind Bay became a gathering place for his great extended family even having a wedding on the beach one year with Margit's family from Denmark coming. He loved watching all the family playing together but was always available if someone needed a private chat.
Tom was at the heart of a very large extended family that loved him dearly. He was an amazing role model to many and our whole family has benefited from his life lessons. He had a kind and generous spirit, always willing to give advice, share his knowledge and his life experience. He was an entrepreneur, a lifelong learner, loved dearly by his family and friends and will never be forgotten.